- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Capilano University
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Badge
September 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 554
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Blazon
Arms
Argent a salmon hauriant contourné Azure embellished Argent in the Coast Salish style above a barrulet wavy Azure, a chief indented of two Bleu Céleste;
Crest
A stack of two books Argent bound Azure their spines to the dexter, flanked by dogwood flowers and maple leaves Argent;
Supporters
Two bears Azure winged Bleu Céleste, both standing on a rocky mount proper;
Motto
THROUGH LEARNING TO A GREATER GOOD;
Symbolism
Arms
The salmon is an important local species, and is shown here in the artistic style of the original inhabitants of the North Shore area. The waves at the bottom of the shield indicate the university’s location near the Pacific Ocean, and the top section represents the nearby Coast Mountains. The white and the two shades of blue are the university’s colours.
Crest
The books are a traditional symbol of education, and the arrangement is inspired by the emblem used by Capilano College, the university’s predecessor. The maple leaves and dogwood flowers make reference to the fact that the university is located in Canada and British Columbia.
Supporters
Bears are a local creature. In local First Nations mythology they are symbols of strength and are a link between the natural and supernatural realms. In mediaeval bestiaries, bears were said to give shape to their own young, and therefore bears can represent the forming of the young, a metaphor for education. The wings refer to the idea of aspiration and can allude to ravens, another local creature immortalized in First Nations mythology and associated with intelligence and creativity. The rocky base refers to the nearby Coast Mountains that are such a dramatic aspect of the local landscape.
Motto
Not applicable